Corporate events such as trade shows, product launches and training workshops are more than just gatherings. They are opportunities to showcase your professionalism, foster relationships with competitors or potential clients and leave a lasting impression on your business.
One aspect of a corporate event’s success is the catering. The food and drinks you serve shape your event’s atmosphere, so picking the right catering service is crucial. This easy-to-follow guide will take you through the key steps to help you select the ideal catering company for your corporate event.
Types of corporate catering:
Before you search for a catering company, it’s important to understand the different types of catering available. Whether you are considering a buffet set up, plated service or food stations where your guests can go up and grab food, each option has its own benefits, as below:
Buffet setup: Buffets offer a wide selection of dishes, allowing guests to pick and choose what they like and choose portion sizes. Buffets may be best suited for large corporate events as they can efficiently accommodate many guests, reducing waiting times for service.
Plated service: A plated service may be ideal for a more sophisticated and formal event, such as an awards ceremony, as dishes are presented with attention to detail. Guests can tailor the food to their preferences and dietary needs.
Food stations: Interactive food stations engage guests by allowing them to customise their dishes, catering to various tastes and dietary preferences. With different cuisines and themes, food stations promote mingling and social interaction, making events more lively and memorable.
Exploring Corporate Catering Options
In this section, we’ll explore essential considerations for selecting the right corporate caterer. From venue logistics to dietary accommodations, we’ll guide you through the key factors to ensure a seamless and satisfying catering experience for your corporate event.
1. Consider the venue
When picking a catering company for your corporate event, consider where the event will happen. Different venues might have their own rules and requirements for catering, such as which vendors they prefer or what kitchen facilities are available. Some may even have policies or logistical challenges that prevent you from hiring external caterers.
Make sure the catering company you choose knows the venue well and can adjust its services accordingly to meet any venue-specific rules or limitations. This will avoid complications and ensure that the catering fits seamlessly into the venue’s setup, making your corporate event a success.
2. Research corporate catering companies
Thorough research is essential when choosing a catering company to ensure a seamless, enjoyable experience for all guests. It allows you to make an informed decision that aligns with your event goals and exceeds expectations.
We suggest you compile a list of local catering companies specialising in corporate events, check their reviews on Google and online catering directories such as everyevent.uk, and check their social media platforms and menu offerings.
Pay close attention to reviews and testimonials, as they can provide insight into the quality of service, food, professionalism and reliability. Feel free to ask friends and event planners for recommendations and firsthand experience with caterers they’ve worked with.
3. Consider special requirements for guests
When planning your corporate event, it’s essential to consider your guests’ dietary needs or preferences. Ensure you take the time to gather information about your guests’ food allergies, intolerances, and religious restrictions. Once you have chosen a catering company, clearly communicate these requirements to ensure they accommodate your needs.
Look for caterers that offer a diverse range of menu options, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, and other ‘speciality dishes’. Additionally, check with the catering company if the menu offered is customisable. Your guests will appreciate your prioritising dietary requirements, enhancing your event’s experience.
4. Book a tasting session
Before finalising your catering decision, we recommend you schedule a tasting session with prospective caterers. This allows you to sample the quality of the food, assess the presentation, and discuss any menu modifications and special requests with the catering team to ensure they align with your event needs.
5. Catering insurance and permits
Before signing any contracts with your chosen catering company, ensuring they follow food business regulations and have the right insurance and permits to operate is vital. They should have liability insurance to cover any accidents or damages during your event and health permits to ensure they follow food safety rules.
Asking for proof of insurance and permits before committing will help reduce risks and ensure everything runs smoothly for everyone involved.
6. Consider additional services
While food and beverages are key to your event, consider the catering company’s extra services. Ask corporate caterers about their staffing for events, including servers, bartenders, and kitchen staff, to ensure your event runs smoothly.
Check out their equipment rental options, such as tables, chairs, and linens, and discuss their flexibility with special requests or last-minute changes to ensure they can meet your needs.
What can we offer for your next corporate event?
At British Event Catering, we pride ourselves on offering top-notch corporate catering solutions. With a fleet of 20 food outlets and five mobile bars, we can cater to various locations and accommodate up to 35,000 attendees.
Here is why you should consider us for your next corporate gathering:
Convenient and efficient service: Our fully self-contained catering guarantees efficiency, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your corporate event
Fair pricing: We believe in transparency, which is why we offer reasonable fees for our services.
Professional staff and Stylish food stations: All of our food shacks boast a brilliant look and feel, and our friendly staff wear unique uniforms that add to the ambience of your event.
Expertise in Corporate Catering: As a family-run business with over 30 years of experience, we have catered for many businesses’ corporate events and some of the UK’s most prestigious events.
Ample seating capacity: We offer picnic benches which can comfortably accommodate up to 260 people, ensuring that all guests have a comfortable experience.
Our commitment to sustainability: We take environmental responsibility seriously, so we focus on using biodegradable products and recycled paper and reduce waste. Check out our green policy.
Furthermore, we cook with LPG, which has a smaller carbon footprint than electricity, and all of the cooking oil we use is taken from our depot and turned into biofuel.
